BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Dozens gathered Tuesday morning to honor the memory of 52-year-old Kevin Hock of the Bakersfield Police Department, who was laid to rest at River Lakes Community Church.

During the service his wife and son were in the front row as family members, friends and colleagues shared their favorite memories and details about who Hock was outside of his blues.

Hock, a 26-year veteran of BPD, was sick with Valley Fever however no official cause of death has been released yet.

Hock began his career at the Bakersfield Police Department in 1980. He worked in many specialized units of the department including the Narcotics and the Special Enforcement Unit.

“In this life we are afforded two families, the one we are born with and the one we choose. I chose Kevin Hock as my brother and I’m going to miss him,” said Bakersfield Police Chief Lyle Martin.

Hock's ashes will be scattered in Hawaii where he planned on retiring.